Official Word on 2016 Class Size (smaller)

scoutpilot

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The Corps is returning to normal. This came in an email from an admissions RC today...

"The Class of 2015 has experienced the lowest attrition of any class in recent history through November of plebe year. *(That says something about the great work of the Field Force) Based on this low attrition, it is likely that the class size for the class of 2016 will be 1150, not 1200. This will be one of the smallest classes in a decade. The reduced size will also make it one of the most competitive."

Before folks get too worked up, I remind you that this is normal. In my year (Class of '04) the admitted number was 1188. In recent years the classes have been artificially large due to a temporary size increase in the Corps.

Good luck, applicants.
 
With that being said, how many candidates will receive appointments off of the NWL?
 
The air force is projecting its numbers for class of 2016 to be around 1050; fairly significant difference, but still being felt across the board.
 
I was told by an Admissions Officer that the number is 1200.

Did you even read what was written? I mean, seriously. Did you even read it? At all?

RC...the Regional Commander...an admissions officer--one who makes decisions about admissions--emailed that to hundreds of USMA Admissions Field Force Volunteers TODAY.

Why is it that on this forum whatever someone heard months ago at an admissions event means more than any official update that might come later?

Like it or not, that's the new reality.
 
I received the exact same message today as Scout - but from a different RC.
Earlier in this admission's cycle- the class size was predicted to be at 1200 but the target class size for 2016 is now 1150.
 
ScoutPilot
There is no need for your sarcastic remarks. We should remain professional and courteous on this forum. You are not the only source of information or wisdom on this forum.

I was told this information yesterday by a different RC. Note that the email your refer to says that "it is likely" that the number will be reduced. That is the estimate of one RC. The "official" number is currently 1200 although that probably will be changed. The "target" number changes from time to time based on many factors. For example, we do not know how many of the Class of 2015 will be seperated as a result of the first semester academics. The final decision on class size will be made in the Jan-Feb time-frame.

You should realize that "it is likely" and "target number" is not a hard decision but just one RC's best guess at this time.
 
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ScoutPilot
There is no need for your sarcastic remarks. We should remain professional and courteous on this forum. You are not the only source of information or wisdom on this forum.

Let's just tone it down everyone. kthx :wink:
 
ScoutPilot
There is no need for your sarcastic remarks. We should remain professional and courteous on this forum. You are not the only source of information or wisdom on this forum.

I was told this information yesterday by a different RC. Note that the email your refer to says that "it is likely" that the number will be reduced. That is the estimate of one RC. The "official" number is currently 1200 although that probably will be changed. The "target" number changes from time to time based on many factors. For example, we do not know how many of the Class of 2015 will be seperated as a result of the first semester academics. The final decision on class size will be made in the Jan-Feb time-frame.

You should realize that "it is likely" and "target number" is not a hard decision but just one RC's best guess at this time.

I received the exact same message today as Scout - but from a different RC.
Earlier in this admission's cycle- the class size was predicted to be at 1200 but the target class size for 2016 is now 1150.


You're right, multiple RCs are just guessing and speculating, and then sending out emails to thousands of volunteers who speak on behalf of admissions. They certainly didn't coordinate this message across the board as a reflection of the official stance of the admissions department.

Or...maybe multiple RCs are saying this because it's true.
 
I will say my last bit on this -
RCs are giving the best information they have at the time. However, Target Numbers change from time to time based on the situation. My son is in the Class of 2015. His RC last year personally told me several different "likely" Target Numbers over time as the year progressed.
The number of Plebes that leave at the end of the first semester academics is unknown. Those results - and other possible seperations and budget considerations - can change the situation. A RC saying that a certain Target Number "is likely" is the best information he has that day but THE NUMBER CHANGES OVER TIME. I will make a gentleman's wager that the final number will not be exactly 1150.
 
Just want to throw this out there: Do not get the perception that smaller sized classes equate to more qualified and competitive appointments. From the Corp's perspective, it has been hit or miss every single year. This year's class amazed me despite such smaller numbers. There was one kid that can barely make coherent sentences (literally can't speak a lick of proper English) who happened to gain admission simply because he was a recruited Athl. This was not an anomaly in this class either. Surely admissions can do a better job in the future selecting the top 1200 people across the nation competing for admission.
 
You Got Smoked, just curious, but what would you be basing your opinion on for 2015? I've seen some of your other posts other places that the plebes aren't that disciplined or challenged training wise and was just wondering your basis for that judgement.
 
No admissions process can be 100% accurate. In addition, after arriving at West Point some cadets are motivated to try harder and push themselves more than others. There will always be a difference between the best and most motivated Cadets and the less motivated and less talented Cadets. To expect everyone to be a "superstar" or equal in performance is unrealistic regardless of the admissions process.
There are lower standards for the recruited people and the people who are selected to "round-out" the class (minorities of all types etc) but they must all still meet the minimums. I did notice on the Class of 2015 Profile that:
8% were in the Third Fifth of their HS class and 1% was in the Fourth Fifth of their HS class. Also 5% scored in the 400-499 range on the SAT Verbal. These are well below the normal West Point standards. I suspect that most of these people were recruited or the "round-out" people.
 
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